Matthew J. Stoff Memorial Junior Scholarship

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Purpose:

• To recognize New York State high school students who are participating in the competitive shooting sports* and to encourage academic/athletic programs in the shooting sports.
  

• To encourage, promulgate, and inform the public concerning the responsible relationship of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association to secondary and higher education.
  

• To enhance public understanding of the shooting sports as a vital component of our national life and as afforded by the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.

Scholarship Eligibility:

• Each applicant must be a member of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc., or a member of a Junior Club affiliated with the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.
  

• Each applicant must offer evidence of a consistent record of competitive shooting, whether in a high school program or as an independent shooter, or in both categories.
  

• The application deadline is the 15th day of July of the year in which the applicant’s eligibility is effective.

Conditions of Application:

• The applicant must be accepted at any four-year accredited college or university.
  

• The candidate must submit a letter of verification of acceptance at a four-year accredited college/university. The scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient, or to a special account for the recipient when required by special rules of the college/university or athletic governing body, upon receipt of proof of enrollment.
  

• The applicant must submit a résumé, including the scores of competitive activity signed by a Certified Referee or documented in an official match results bulletin.
  

• An official copy of the applicant’s high school scholastic transcript to date must be submitted. The applicant’s grade point average and senior class standing must be certified thereon. If SAT and/or ACT scores are available, please submit them as well.
  

• The applicant must request three letters of character reference: one each from (a) the school principal/guidance counselor; (b) the primary shooting coach; and (c) another person, not a relative, who knows the applicant well. The applicant is advised to supply his/her three references with pre-addressed stamped envelopes addressed to:

Matthew J. Stoff Memorial Junior Scholarship Award Committee
New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 1023
Troy, New York 12181-1023

• The applicant must submit a written essay (preferably typewritten) of no more than 700 words describing: (a) the applicant’s qualifications for the Junior Scholarship Award; (b) how the applicant has benefited from participation in the shooting sports; (c) how the applicant plans to support and be a proponent of the shooting sports while in college, and beyond; and (d) how the applicant expects to fulfill his/her United States citizenship in support of Second Amendment rights.
  

• The application deadline is the 15th day of July of the year in which the applicant’s eligibility is effective. (See Scholarship Eligibility above.)
  

• All documents must be sent to the Junior Scholarship Award Committee (See Address above.)
  

• Review each eligibility requirement carefully before submitting. Retain a photocopy of all personal materials submitted and send completed applications via CERTIFIED MAIL/RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED.
  

• Nothing contained herein obligates or constrains the Matthew J. Stoff Memorial Junior Scholarship Committee. ALL DECISIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE FINAL.

*The expression “shooting sports” herein refers to organized Rifle, Pistol or Shotgun programs and related competitions sanctioned under the auspices of recognized organizations such as the NYSRPA, NRA, ATA, NSSA, DCM, and others.